Dodge Circuit EV Revealed At Detroit Auto Show

What do you get when you combine a Lotus Europa chassis with an all-electric drivetrain and dress it up with some distinctly Dodge styling? A fatter, more American Tesla Roadster? Kinda, except the Chrysler group calls it the Dodge Circuit EV.

Officially unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show yesterday, the Circuit (ha ha, geddit?) is Chrysler's interpretation of the all-electric sportscar of the future. A 200kW electric motor fed by lithium-ion batteries whisks the Circuit EV to triple digit speeds in around five seconds and the quarter mile can be done away with in a fairly brisk 13 seconds.

Top speed hovers around the 193kph mark and the Circuit can supposedly travel up to 322km before running out of electrons.

It all sounds pretty good, yes, but Chrysler has made no obvious commitment toward putting the Circuit EV into production - which is probably a good thing, considering the fairly unimaginative styling of the Circuit (aside from the front and rear bumpers, it's a dead ringer for the Lotus Europa).

Still, a 13-second car that costs peanuts to run and can be recharged from a wall socket? It's a definite step in the right direction.

Dodge Circuit EV

• Dodge Circuit EV: Brand new version of all-electric sports car boasts unique, fearless Dodge design

• All-electric vehicle delivers sports car performance with zero gasoline consumption, zero tailpipe emissions and 150-200 mile driving range

The Dodge Circuit EV displays bold exterior and interior styling with outstanding performance, zero gasoline consumption and zero tailpipe emissions.

The Dodge Circuit EV design screams pure sports car from every angle. The Dodge Circuit EV's profile demonstrates perfect proportions for balanced handling, placing the driver and passenger midway along the wheelbase. At the front of the vehicle, the distinctive Dodge crosshair grille splits the wind, sending it over the long, low hood and cleanly over the windshield and cockpit. The body sides feature a deep scallop, providing visual depth and also a functional rear-brake air duct. At the rear, the functional elements blend with design to create a uniform finish.

"The exterior styling of the Dodge Circuit EV mates bold Dodge styling to the no-compromise performance attributes of an all-electric performance sports car," said Ralph Gilles, Vice President – Design, Chrysler LLC. "The Dodge Circuit EV offers an extremely fun-to-drive, expressive sports car without fuel consumption and with virtually no impact on the environment."

The Dodge Circuit EV is adorned in all-new "Tangoreen" exterior color, wearing large "EV" graphics on both sides of the sports car.

The uncomplicated interior of the Dodge Circuit EV delivers a combination of pure function and athletic refinement. The cockpit design puts complete control of the car at the driver's fingertips. Nestled within a leather-covered instrument cluster are two primary analog-face gauges. A digital display conveys information regarding the electric-drive system.

The seats feature deep bolsters and are covered in premium leather. The same premium leather covers the center console and the width of the instrument panel.

The Dodge Circuit EV delivers all of the convenience features of a performance sports car, including premium sound system, power windows and door locks, air conditioning, speed control.

Propelled by a completely electric ENVI drivetrain, the Dodge Circuit EV posts impressive performance numbers:

• 0-60 mph in less than 5 seconds

• ¼-mile in 13 seconds

• Top speed of more than 120 mph

Perhaps the most impressive Dodge Circuit EV number, however, is zero. That's how much gasoline the vehicle consumes while providing exhilarating sports car performance. It's also how much tailpipe emissions are produced.

The Dodge Circuit EV utilizes just three powertrain components. These include a 200 kW (268 horsepower) electric motor to drive the wheels, an advanced lithium-ion battery system to power the electric-drive motor, and a controller that manages energy flow.

Working with the latest advanced lithium-ion battery technology, the Dodge Circuit EV has a driving range of 150 to 200 miles between charges – more than triple the average daily commute of most consumers. Recharging the vehicle is a simple one-step process: plugging into a standard 110-volt household outlet. The recharge time can be cut in half by using a typical 220-volt household appliance power outlet.

The Dodge Circuit EV offers driving enthusiasts a performance sports car that can be driven to work every day – without consuming gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions.

Dodge Circuit EV – Vehicle Specifications

Vehicle Type Battery Electric Vehicle, 2-passenger performance coupe

Weight and Dimensions

Length 153.5 inches / 3900 mm

Width 67.5 inches / 1714 mm

Height 45.3 inches / 1150 mm

Wheelbase 91.7 inches / 2330 mm

Track front / rear 57.4 inches / 1457 mm 58.7 inches / 1490 mm

Turn circle 38.0 feet / 11.6 m

Powertrain and Suspension

Layout Rear-wheel drive

Motor Power: 200 kW (268 hp), Regenerative braking

Battery Lithium-ion battery

Suspension Front - Independent, Rear - Independent

Wheels and Tires

Tire size front P195 / 45ZR17 23.9 inches / 607 mm

Tire size rear P235 / 40ZR18 25.4 inches / 645 mm

Color Scheme

Exterior Tangoreen

Interior Black Leather with Satin Silver accents

Key Performance Attributes

0-60 mph (0-100 kph) less than 5 seconds

Standing ¼-mile low-13 seconds

Top speed greater than 120 mph (approximately 193 kph)

All-electric range 150-200 miles (approximately 241-322 km)